Software training firm Infinite Skills Inc. last week introduced its "Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) Exam Training Tutorial," a course designed for experienced SolidWorks users, focusing on the objectives for achieving this entry-level certification in using the popular computer aided design (CAD) software. SolidWorks is a leader in the 3D CAD industry, currently used by more than 2 million engineers and designers worldwide. The program uses a parametric, feature-based assembly system for building mechanical models, allowing users to create and assemble parts into an overall design. Infinite Skills' "SolidWorks CSWA Certification Exam Preparation Training" follows along with SolidWorks' stated objectives for achieving the certification which provides documentation of basic competencies, setting certification holders apart from the crowd in a competitive job market. Course author Dean Kerste is a college professor with more than a decade of experience in industrial design, and more than twenty years of experience as a professor in a mechanical design

CADSoftTools is glad to present ABViewer 10, a new version of CAD files editor and converter. The 10th version includes the following features: Convenient navigation in 3D mode while viewing 3D models Supported formats: STEP, STP, IGES, IGS, BREP, STL, SAT (ACIS®) Export into OBJ and STL Copy with base point Embedding of Xref files into the current drawing Deleting of segments with one mouse click on the internal or external side of the selected outline Quick access to CAD file settings, layers and layout options from the window Batch print The window Structure now has search and access to files Export of bit-mapped images into DWG and DXF in the window Batch Command Convert to polyline converts the selected object into a polyline Command Show performs zooming of the selected objects in the window of the program working area Commands Explode all and Explode all inserts break connections between all compound objects in the drawing The option Show contours of composite objects added and includes showing of the objects contours while relocating complex objects Polyline editing improved and now parallel relocation of line

CADD Microsystems, an Autodesk Platinum Partner, today announced that it has launched the CADD Community, an online customer-only portal that integrates on-demand training, applications and extensions, videos and additional value-added content exclusively for its customers. The CADD Community was developed from a vision to provide customers access to not only on-demand training, but also a wealth of resources built over more than 25 years in the industry. This vision came to fruition through a partnership with Global eTraining, the world's leading technical training platform for on-demand Autodesk training. Global eTraining excels at reaching students with varied learning styles through text, audio, demos, exercises, and videos, engaging all the senses and anchoring learning with action. Through the CADD Community, CADD Microsystems is able to provide its customers with online, on-demand training for Autodesk products. In this deadline-driven industry, having access to learning resources when and where it's needed it is vital to completing projects

Autodesk has enhanced its Simulation software portfolio with the addition of two new simulation products, Autodesk Nastran 2015 and Autodesk Nastran In-CAD 2015. Autodesk acquired NEi Software – and the NEi Nastran platform on which the products are based – in May 2014 in order to add additional structural analysis capabilities to the company’s growing simulation portfolio. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. “Since 2005 Autodesk has been consistently adding new technology to its Simulation platform with the goal of building a comprehensive cloud-based portfolio that spans Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics, plastics and composite solutions,” said Ian Pendlebury, Senior Director of Simulation at Autodesk. “Autodesk’s acquisition of NEi Software and the introduction of Autodesk Nastran and Autodesk Nastran In-CAD reinforce this long-term strategy to broaden our footprint in the mechanical simulation market as part of Autodesk’s Digital Prototyping toolset.” Autodesk Nastran offers an industry-recognized FEA solver for analyzing linear and nonlinear stress, dynamics and heat transfer

Cimatron Limited today announced its financial results for the second quarter and first six months of 2014.  Highlights of Cimatron’s results for these periods include the following: 24% year-over-year increase in non-GAAP operating profit for Q2, to a second quarter record of $2.0 million; 28% year-over-year increase in non-GAAP net profit for Q2, to a second quarter record of $1.5 million; Record Q2 revenues of $11.8 million, a 6.5% year-over-year increase (4.4% on a constant currency basis); 17th consecutive quarter with year-over-year revenue growth on a constant currency basis; Record $7.6 million cash flow from operating activities in the first six months of 2014 leads to end of June net cash balance of $20.4 million or $1.90 per share Concurrently with the release of its financial results, Cimatron also announced today that its Board of Directors has adopted a policy for distributing dividends, subject to all applicable laws. According to this policy, each year the Company will

The University of Michigan crossed the finish line in Minneapolis to win their eighth national championship in the 2014 American Solar Challenge. The team, which switched to Siemens product lifecycle management (PLM) software technology in 2013 as their primary tool for product design and development, successfully completed a seven-day course across eight states, four hours faster than its nearest competitor. The team will now spend the next year using a wide range of Siemens PLM software to design, manufacture, test and optimize performance of a four-wheel car to compete in the 2015 World Solar Challenge in the Australian Outback. “As our fifth straight national championship, this is a huge win for our team, and it’s a powerful testament to the value of Siemens’ PLM software.” said Pavan Naik, Michigan Solar Car project manager. “We realize that to win the global solar challenge, we need to move from understanding the performance of

PTC today completed its acquisition of Axeda Corporation, a developer of solutions that securely connect machines and sensors to the cloud. Axeda's technology innovation, extensive customer base, and powerful partnerships directly complement the PTCThingWorx business, and will accelerate PTC's ability to deliver best-in-class solutions to its customers in the Internet of Things era. An innovator in the IoT technology market, Axeda serves more than 150 customers, processing hundreds of millions of machine messages daily across multiple industry sectors. The company has a broad partner ecosystem that includes leading mobile network operators, device makers, systems integrators, and business systems/analytics providers - and its technology leadership has led to several strategic OEM agreements with leading IoT technology and solution providers. Axeda offers IoT technology built on a modern architecture purpose-built for collecting and organizing the world's machine and sensor data. Axeda software enables companies to establish secure connectivity, and remotely monitor, manage, and service a wide range of connected machines, sensors, and devices. Examples of capabilities

3D Systems announced today that it has acquired American Precision Prototyping (APP) and sister company American Precision Machining (APM), both expert providers of rapid prototyping and advanced manufacturing, product development and engineering services, further extending its service bureau operations in the United States. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, APP and APM bring over 24 years of combined advanced prototyping and manufacturing service bureau experience to 3DS with significant aerospace presence. Their production capabilities include a strong regional infrastructure and long-term, key relationships with companies in the sector. “APP and APM bring a wealth of experience and bench strength in both advanced manufacturing and the aerospace industry that is highly complementary to our offerings,” said Ziad Abou, Vice President and General Manager, Quickparts for 3DS. “This acquisition further enhances our North American capabilities and expertise.” “3D Systems is, bar none, the recognized leader in advanced manufacturing with an

Knovel announced the launch of Composites as a new subject area. Knovel's Composites subject area offers design, selection, analysis, testing, manufacturing and repair information related to composite materials compiled from a wide range of authoritative sources. Knovel's Composites subject area is a comprehensive collection of the information design and materials engineers need in order to make critical materials selection decisions early in the design process. The subject area has been developed to help engineers identify composite materials, understand potential performance gains or possible risks associated with using a composite material, and evaluate future maintenance and repair requirements. Furthermore, engineers have convenient access to guidance on composite material evaluation, analytical methods, selection criteria, and design approaches to support more fuel efficient vehicles, stronger components, increased corrosion resistance and improved fatigue performance. Topics covered in Knovel's Composites subject area include: General References Material Properties Mechanics & Design Performance Evaluation & Monitoring Production & Manufacturing Testing & Analysis "Knovel's Composites subject area provides a

GRAPHISOFT® announced that its award-winning BIM presentation app, BIMx Docs, has been released for Android phones and tablets in Google Play.  This release makes BIMx Docs available on the largest installed base of any mobile OS in the world. This newest app hosts the same functionality as the iOS version, but with a simplified license structure: There is only one app available for download, which is free and opens Hyper-models in demo mode (3D only); The full BIMx Docs functionality (for an unlimited number of models) can be purchased inside the app for $50. In addition to making the entire workflow virtually hassle-free, GRAPHISOFT's BIMx Docs for ArchiCAD saves architects considerable money and the misery that comes with printing plans. The BIMx Docs functionality for a user's current and future projects can be unlocked in one step – all for the price of printing one complete documentation set.  Clients and other stakeholders can follow a